The Conch (Dec 2016 - Jan 2017)

Dec 2016/Jan 2017 The Conch krishnafarm.com www.conch.org.au “Lord Sri Krishna and Arjuna blew their celestial conches to rally and enthuse the devotees.” Newsletter New Govardhana Community Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Disappearance Day – ‘Vaikuntha Man’ In Focus + Gurukula Excels + Farm Wall Art

Kolkata to since Harry S. Truman and features Photo: krishna.org Sydney Opera a permanent eight-foot presidential House seal on its wall. ISKCON Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace Over 300 people attended the Gala A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada By Damodara Pandit dasa event, seventy-five of them special As 2016 ends ISKCON can reflect VIP invitees including religious Srila Prabhupada Uvaca on what has been a wonderful leaders, religious liberty experts, and year of celebrating its 50th year. All members of the media, government In 1896, Bhaktivinoda Thakura over the world centres observed representatives and political leaders. wanted to introduce this Krsna the occasion in many ways. ISKCON 50th Celebrated at House of consciousness movement by Locally, New Govardhana hosted Lords with Bhakti Charu Swami sending this book, Shree Chaitanya a highly successful Open Day in ISKCON News Mahaprabhu, His Life and Precepts. July and presentations on Srila On the sacred day of Govardhan Fortunately, that year was my birth Prabhupada were also held on Puja, Bhaktivedanta Manor hosted year, and by Krsna’s arrangement, Sundays throughout the year, as a gathering at the House of Lords we came in contact. I was born well as a special Vaishnavis Sunday at the Palace of Westminster to in a different family; my Guru Feast program in October. National acknowledge the 50th anniversary of Maharaja was born in a different celebrations had a grand finale the incorporation of ISKCON. family. Who knew that I will come at the Special Gala event at the The House of Lords is the upper to his protection? Who knew that Sydney Opera House in August. To house of the UK Parliament and was I would come in America? Who accompany the celebrations, ISKCON built to advise the Crown Imperial knew that you American boys Australia also produced a four-colour, since 1295. With the kind permission will come to me? These are all high production quality magazine of the Lord Speaker, the event was Krsna’s arrangement. We cannot ‘The Hare Krishnas – celebrating hosted in the Principal State Room for understand how things are taking 50 years’, which is being widely an incredible yet intimate gathering place. distributed all over the world. On the of profiled guests renowned in their In 1936 I was in Bombay doing global front there were wonderful own disciplines. some business. At that time, Guru programs that we are sure Srila Italian Parliament Hosts ISKCON 50 Maharaja was indisposed [a] little, Prabhupada would be pleased with. Conference and he was staying at Jagannatha Here a few ... ISKCON News Puri. So I wrote him [a] letter, “My Religious and Political Leaders The Italian Parliament hosted an dear master, your other disciples, Appreciate ISKCON at 50th ISKCON 50 conference entitled, ‘Fifty brahmacari, sannyasi, they are Anniversary Gala in Washington D.C. Years of the Krishna Consciousness rendering you direct service. By Madhava Smullen for ISKCON News Movement: Srila Prabhupada, And I am a householder. I cannot on 15 September 2016. Messenger of Peace and Spiritual live with you; I cannot serve you Many international religious and Knowledge’ at the Chamber of nicely. So I do not know. How can political leaders honoured ISKCON Deputies, one of two houses in I serve you?” “How can I serve Founder Srila Prabhupada’s the Italian Parliament’s bicameral him seriously?” So the reply was achievements and contributions at a legislature on 5 October 2016. dated 13th December, 1936, “My special ISKCON 50th Anniversary Gala Around 100 delegates attended the dear such and such, I am very glad Event in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, prestigious conference, which was to receive your letter. I think you 13 September. introduced by the Vice President of should try to push our movement The event took place in the the Chamber of Deputies. Speakers at in English.” That was his writing. Presidential Ballroom at the Capital the conference included Madhusevita “And that will do good to you and Hilton Hotel on 16th Street. Three dasa, President of the ISKCON Italian to the people who will help you.” blocks from the White House, the Confederation, and Parabhakti That was his instruction. And then Ballroom has hosted every president dasa, Vice President of the Italian in 1936, on the 31st December Confederation of ISKCON. – that means just after writing this letter a fortnight before hisPhoto: http://4.bp.blogspot.com departure – he passed away. But I took that order of my spiritual Victoria Memorial, Kolkata to The Sydney Opera House: A Transcendental Journey. master very seriously. (Lecture, Los Angeles, 9 December 1969) 2

In Focus: Manu Aces ItRadha Ickrath By Braja-jivana dasaBy Damodara Pandita dasa Photo: Radha Ikrath Radha Ickrath dressed in Brijbhasi Ever since developing a passionGold Coast devotee Radha Ickrath has Photo: Supplied by Braja-jivana dasacostume at Govardhana Puja with for the game of tennis at a younga cat-like knack of landing on her feet Madhuri Adi Lila. age, Manu Rowe has had a dream(on many levels) – Damodara Pandit of taking up a tennis scholarshipdasa caught up with her this month to 10 things you didn’t know about at a US university. In June this yearfind out more … Radha Ickrath he achieved that goal when heWhen Radha Ickrath attended the was signed up by Ventura College,New Govardhana Kulimela in 2010 1. Radha’s early childhood name was California.she knew it would one day be her Usha (and her brother was Aniruddha). Manu – the second son – was born‘special home temple’. Then Srila Prabhupda gave her the name to Sachi devi dasi and myself in“I immediately loved the devotees, Susasita (meaning one who is chaste to 1997 at Murwillumbah Hospital. Histhe Deities, the cows and the farm – guru’s instruction). tennis skills were honed under myit’s like nowhere else in the world,” 2. Srila Prabhupada personally gave Radha watchful eye, as I am a professionalsays Radha. cookies and rasagullas on a number of tennis coach. He acquired a State andShe headed for Australia after leaving occasions. National ranking in both New Zealandthe Bhaktivedanta Manor Community 3. Radha attended ISKCON’S first gurukula and Australia. Manu is also a qualifiedin the UK in 2005 with husband, in Dallas from 1970 until 1975. tennis coach with Tennis Australia.Damodara dasa, and children Lalita, 4. When she was 11 Radha’s appendix Since arriving in California, he hasRadheya and Rohini. They ended up burst and she overheard the doctors say adjusted to a busy life of full-timeliving in Sydney’s western suburbs but she was close to death – at which point she studies in Organic Chemistry, as wellinternally she yearned to return to a said, “Please pass my bead bag”. as daily tennis/fitness training andvibrant Vaishnava community. 5. Radha received spiritual initiation at the tournament play.In 2011 Damodara was offered a job age of 12. Manu has had a positive impact onin Brisbane and Radha convinced him 6. Her full initiation name is Radha Priya his room-mate, another Australianto make the Gold Coast their base. devi dasi. player, converting him to being aRadha began working at Govinda’s in 7. At age 16, whilst visiting India, Radha staunch vegetarian within a few days!Surfers Paradise and became more contracted typhoid. Upon being diagnosed He is currently living about 50involved with the local devotees and with the dangerous disease Radha said, minutes north of the LA temple.events. “Better pass my bead bag”. Manu is looking forward toRadha and Damodara’s Miami 8. Radha can speak four languages fluently: experiencing the famous LA Ratha-Beach home is now a popular hub English, French, German and Spanish. yatra shortly.of devotional activity with regular 9. Radha’s parents, Akura dasa andbhajana nights and an open door Kandhabasi devi dasi, were the original Manu Rowe all set to ace it in the US.policy for devotees who may need an pioneer devotees of the German Hareear, a friend or a plate of prasad. Krishna community.Radha, who is trained in social work, 10. In 2010, at the time of the Kulimela,says her dream has always been to while visiting Currumbin Rock Pools,open a Community Centre. Radha slipped and took a huge fall but“I love devotional arts like cooking, miraculously landed in a pool of waterdrama and dance and would love to unharmed! After climbing out of the water,help people by sharing our wonderful Radha was heard to say, “Where’s my beadculture”, explains Radha. “I guess our bag?”home is a trial version of that idea.”So what does the future hold forRadha and family? “Well,” says Radha,“Soon Rohini will be finished highschool on the Gold Coast, so we planon moving closer to New Govardhanato pursue more devotional goals.So hopefully I can get involved insupporting devotees, producingdramas and short films, cookingclasses – all the fun stuff!” 3

A Visitor’s Photo: Ananta Vrindavana dasa Vrindavani Briant, a recent visitor to New SWINGIN’ KIDSReflections Photo: Supplied by Mandakini devi dasiGovardhana. By Mandakini devi dasiBy Vrindavani Briant on me by the devotees. New Vasustrestha (Vasu) dasa despairedMy two-month visit from 21 July to 26 Govardhana is further exalted by the about the lack of recreationalSeptember 2016 to New Govardhana ultimate blessing, the central focus facilities, like swings and slides, atdhama wasn’t a trip I originally of everything: Their Lordships Sri the children’s play area opposite theplanned to make. After I visited New Sri Radha Govardhanadhari, Sri Sri temple.Govardhana briefly in April of this Krishna Balarama, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai A fragile structure, designed foryear – also an unplanned trip! – the and Sri Giriraja. moderate household use hadsweetness of the New Govardhana Thank you to all of the New been generously donated by Rupatemple and community made me feel Govardhana community for allowing Raghunatha dasa. This turned out tocompelled to return. me to experience the sweetness of be tremendously popular, especiallyWith this in mind, I made inquiries life in New Govardhana, and for your on Sundays and Festival days.into staying at the New Govardhana kindness during my stay. Although I However, watching it become bentbrahmacharini ashrama and received have left New Govardhana, a part of out of shape and more crooked assuch a welcoming and encouraging my heart remains. time went on, Vasu racked his brainresponse that I returned to New for a solution.Govardhana in July for a two-month Free ebook this Says Vasu, “It started to resemblestay in the ashrama. month! a concertina and I wondered howThe residents of New Govardhana I could possibly resurrect it for thedhama are a fortunate bunch. The By Damodara Pandit dasa youngsters.”farm, with its lush hills and clear river Local devotees Nimai Pandit dasa and As it happened, Ajita dasa had an oldand lakes, is one of the most beautiful his wife, Manjumedha devi dasi, work swing set outside of his place andplaces I have ever visited. In addition together compiling lectures of His agreed to allow Vasu to transform itto the beauty of its scenery, it is Holiness Gaura Govinda Swami, into into a working model.blessed with such a loving community thematic books and booklets under With the help of Krishna Villagers,of devotees. Tattva Vicara Publications. Rama dasa and Bhakta Dennis, whoAlthough essentially a stranger, I Follow this link to your free ebook welded on strengthening bars, theinstantly felt like I was part of the this month on Srila Bhaktisiddanta present structure took form. TotalNew Govardhana family, thanks to Sarasvati Thakura: cost of renovations came out at $20!the kindness and care showered http://tvpbooks.com/2015/12/srila- Vasu assures us that it is now firmly bhaktisiddhanta-%E1%B9%ADhakuras- planted and could last a lifetime. He“If I seek the path leading to the disappearance/ swears he saw a 300lb man swingingultimate good, I must ignore off it without making a single dent.the countless voices of popular Only children up to eight years oldwisdom and listen to that of the are welcome to use the playrealised souls.” equipment.Bhaktisiddhantha Saraswati Thakur Rupa Raghunatha dasa supervising his– Lecture 1926. daughters on the renovated swing set. PLEASE NOTE Children MUST be supervised by an adult at ALL TIMES! 4

Lismore High Photo: Courtesy of Krishna Village Gurukula Religious Studies Headmaster Visit meets MinisterPhoto: richmondri-h.schools.nsw.edu.au) By Damodara Pandit dasa Lila Kirtan devi dasi and Malcolm Knights. By Syama Sakhi devi dasi Lismore has always been a great place Recently, Gurukula principal, Vinod to visit and tell people about Krishna, All Abuzz at The Bihari dasa, joined 29 other principals so it was no surprise when the local Krishna Village and Education Minister, Adrian Lismore High School contacted us Piccoli, in a meeting organised by the requesting a visit. By Lila Kirtan devi dasi AIS (Australian Independent Schools On Wednesday, 26 October, myself The Krishna Village is buzzing this of NSW) in Sydney. and Ambarish dasa made the journey month, with volunteers lining up at Vinod Bihari gave a presentation down south. the door, along with a fully booked on the programs implemented It was a pleasant surprise to be retreat centre and the latest intake of by the Gurukula that have led to greeted by Paul Von Bratt, the trainees completing their Level 1 Yoga such enormous success. Vinod Chaplain and Religious Studies Teacher Training. Bihari talked about how the school teacher, who was extremely happy A high volume of guests creates an is focusing on best instructional to see us. He then introduced us to exciting atmosphere and the daily practices that tailor to student the senior Religious Studies class. classes are well-attended, perhaps learning. The Gurukula has also During the following hour we shared also due to the new luxurious floor pioneered a coaching model whereby a nice kirtana led by Ambarish, and and our two new air-conditioners! a specialist educator from the US discussed the practice of Krishna As part of the teacher training, every gives real-time feedback to teachers Consciousness. The students were day brings an extra ‘Yogic Living’ in the classroom. very interested and a few even session that could be a lecture, Education Minister Adrian Piccoli stayed on during lunch to ask more meditation or workshop outside of expressed a genuine interest in transcendental questions. the two daily yoga classes. These are knowing more about the Hare open not only to the teacher trainees, Krishna School. The Minister left Devotees visited students from Richmond but to all retreat guests, volunteers his entourage to spend some time River High School in October 2016 as part and New Govardhana residents. alone with Vinod Bihari looking at of the Religious Studies program. The classes range from Yoga Nidra a photographic presentation of the Richmond River High School – The Rivers guided meditations, to lectures on school on a nearby wall, and hearing Secondary College Ayurveda, Bhagavad-gita and Life www.richmondri-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Coaching seminars. Photo: Supplied by Gurukula Richmond River High Campus is a caring Prior to each class there is kirtana school of excellence which maintains – from 12.30 to 1pm each day. For Education Minister Adrian Piccoli with through curricular and extra-curricular most, this is their first experience gurukula principal Vinod Bihari dasa at initiatives – a strong commitment to with chanting and so the mantras a recent AIS meeting in Sydney. quality. are kept simple and projected onto a screen. The kirtana is a compulsory about the Gurukula’s teaching and part of the Yoga Teacher training. welfare programs. The kirtana culture is thriving, with Minister Piccoli expressed that mantras mostly led by myself and my after his conversation with Vinod, husband, Mal. They have been well his impression of the Hare Krishnas supported by the various devotees changed by 180 degrees for the living and working on the farm, such better. The AIS Public profile as Venugopal dasa who loves to come page commented how Mr Piccoli and share kirtana once a week. specifically noted how much he As it is with all kirtana – the more the enjoyed meeting Vinod Bihari. merrier. All are invited to attend and The Tweed Weekly and Tweed Daily inspire our guests and share in this interviewed Vinod and published sacred sound vibration. articles acknowledging the school’s ongoing successes. 5

EKADASI CHIP Chips galore – a family affair. BYE BYE BILLFEASTS social aspect of meeting informally By Mandakini devi dasiBy Mandakini devi dasi with other chip addicts”. Bhakta Bill Salimeris has recentlyBhakta Trevor Gore has endeared Says Bhusaya dasa, “On Ekadasi, moved to Gladstone. Bill has beenhimself to many devotees since he I don’t know what we would do associated with New Govardhanamoved to Murwillumbah from Perth without them.” since 1987 and has resided at thenine years ago. One of the reasons Due to limited space, Trevor requests home of Bhakta Trevor for the pastfor his increasing popularity could be that anyone wishing to attend five years.described as ‘kitchen love’. should give him 48 hours notice by Bill is an avid gardener and a familiar contacting 0435 030 595. figure on his ride-on mower helpingChippies with homemade tomato sauce. to keep the grass under control. He was also passionate about street harinama and hardly missed an opportunity to join in the Sunday chanting. We wish you well, Bill, and many thanks for your dedicated service.Every Ekadasi without fail, Trevor The Sound of Photo: Trevor Gorecooks up 10–14 kgs of Sebago Krishna’s Flutepotatoes in ghee at his home to serve Bill Salimeris was a regular kirtanato the steady stream of visitors. The By Dhanesvara dasa enthusiast.influx of hungry guests usually begins Last month artist Dhanesvara dasaat 12.30pm continuing without let produced a series of works at his An example of one of the paintings of theup until 6pm. Side dishes of roasted Murwillumbah studio (Studio 88) ‘The Sound of Krishna’s Flute’ exhibition.sweet potatoes and pumpkin with focusing on Krishna’s pastimes, callingfresh green salad are also up for the exhibition ‘The Sound of Krishna’s 6grabs. When Krishnarupa devi dasi Flute’. He used traditional imagescomes, she brings coconut macaroons with a contemporary twist.for dessert. Dhanesvara hopes that these imagesSays Trevor, “I used to have regular reflect the devotional rasa’s thatchip feasts in Perth for the devotees inspire our continual journey ofand in those days we often held pizza bhakti-yoga, perfecting our love for Krishna and His devotees.Trevor Gore (L) and Aravinda dasa (R) The launch for the exhibition willcooking up a chippy storm. be held Friday, 2 December at 6pm.parties as well. I am simply continuing Talented musicians Malcolm Knightsthis highly favoured tradition with the (on flute) and his wife, Lila Kirtan devichips.” dasi, leading the kirtana will be anRegular chip enthusiast Aravinda dasa additional highlight. A light supper ofcomments, “As well as Trevor’s chips chai and nibbles will also be provided.being the best in the whole of the Please come along Friday, 2three worlds, I really appreciate the December at 6pm, 88 Main Street, Murwillumbah.

Child Also we are happy to announce WALL ARTProtection that ISKCON has now appointed aUpdate new International Child Protection By Mandakini devi dasi Director, Kamalesh Krishna dasa of Harinama and his wife, Laksmi PriyaBy Damodara Pandit dasa Watford, England. Kamalesh Krishna devi dasi, with their three children –The International Society for Krishna and his wife, Gandharvika devi dasi, Caitanya five years, Nityananda fourConsciousness (ISKCON) is committed will oversee child protection in years and Bhakti aged one – recentlyto the well being of all individuals ISKCON. moved onto New Govardhana.involved with ISKCON, especially However, a burden of the The Perth couple had visited thechildren and other more vulnerable responsibility also needs to be shared farm several times and was keen toparticipants. ISKCON recognises that by you – the parent, the community provide their children with a Krishnachildren, for their full and harmonious member. There is so much work to be conscious education.development, need to be raised in done in providing safe environments At present the couple are busilyan atmosphere of love, support, for children at home, in the car, engaged in renovating the Lily Pondguidance and understanding. ISKCON while playing and at the temple. We house and cultivating the surroundingacknowledges that children, when so encourage you to please become land.raised, are likely to play a vital role informed and involved. Harinama took to spiritual life 20in the future of our Society. Thus For any local issues contact Damodara years ago soon after he graduatedplacing the interests of the children Pandit dasa on 0415 190 313 with a Diploma of Art from the Perthfirst is not only in the best interest of School of Fine Art.the children themselves, but also of Child Protection Office Inspired to paint wall murals at theISKCON and society at large. The Child Protection Office farm, he has to date completed anAt present ISKCON Australia is investigates abuse, offers grants, impressive Krishna lifting Govardhanaworking hard to make our centres helps set up child protection Hill at Carpark 1.as child friendly as possible. The programs, and serves as a resource Another work is in progress on theZonal Council has voted to contract a centre. wall as you walk up to the templenational company that will implement Please visit: from Carpark 1. This shows thethe highest of safety standards. www.childprotectionoffice.org scene from Srimad-Bhagavatam of Sukadeva Gosvami preaching toHeading in Kadama Hair‘s soon-to-be new location Maharaja Pariksit and the sages.Another will provide a much bigger space for this With wall art being much in vogue,Direction growing business. Harinama is hoping to continue Photo: Gaura Shakti devi dasi the trend by painting several moreBy Gaura Shakti devi dasi Photos: Aravinda dasa murals.Kadamba Hair has had eight greatyears in our cosy space, but now witheight fantastic people on our team,we have outgrown our digs and arebursting at the seams. This Art Decoheritage building next door to thecurrent location in Main Street is justthe bigger space we need, so toolbags out and off to renovate! Harinama’s striking mural at Carpark 1.SUBMISSION GUIDELINES the photographer. Anonymous EDITORIAL BOARD: submissions will not be published. Damodara Pandit dasa, Govardhana Seva dasa,The Conch is your community Deadline is the 12th of each Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP), Urvasi devi dasinewsletter, and we invite you to month. Occasionally a submission (layout and graphic design).submit articles for publication. could be held over to a later For enquiries, comments or suggestions,Articles should be 300 words or edition. All submissions will be contact: www.conch.org.auless and supplied in MS Word via edited, proofread and may beemail to gordon108@bigpond. rejected without notice. 7com. Photographs must bein JPG format. Please providethe name of the author and

Upcoming Events Devamrita Swami 2, 3 & 4 DecemberPhotos: googleimages.com Photo: iskconnepal.orgFri 2 Dec Sat 3 Dec Srimad-Bhagavatam Class New Govardhana Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sun 4 Dec Krishna Village 1pm Sarasvati Thakura Srimad-Bhagavatam Class Disappearance Festival Evening class (Brisbane) Saturday, 17 December Sunday Feast New Govardhana (fast till noon) Janananda Goswami 28 to 31 December Wed 28 Dec Srimad-Bhagavatam Class 7.30am Class Thu 29 Dec Srimad-Bhagavatam Class 10am Bhajans and Readings Fri 30 Dec Srimad-Bhagavatam Class 11.45am Prasada offered to Sat 31 Dec Srimad-Bhagavatam Class Bhaktisiddhanta Sat 31 Dec New Year’s Eve Harinama 11.50am Sarasvati Thakura (Gold Coast) 12noon Puspanjali 12.30pm Guru Puja – arati andUrmila devi dasi Kadamba Kanana Swami kirtanManah Siksa Seminar 26 December to 15 January FeastJanuary Please check krishnafarm.com Please join us eachPlease check krishnafarm.com for details as they become Ekadasi forfor details as they become availableavailable Srimad-Bhagavatam class given by His DivineDec/Jan Calendar Grace Srila Prabhupada.(from Vaishnava calendar www.vaisnavacalendar.com) These classes willDECEMBER 2016 feature subtitles.6 Tue Odana sasthi Darshan arati 7am10 Sat Fasting for Moksada Ekadasi Advent of Srimad Bhagavad-gita Class 7.30am11 Sun Dvadasi break fast 6.27 – 10.20am17 Sat Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura – Disappearance (Fast till noon)25 Sun Fasting for Saphala Ekadasi Sri Devananda Pandita – Disappearance Harinama26 Mon Dvadasi break fast 5.48 – 10.47am27 Tue Sri Mahesa Pandita – Disappearance Sankirtana ki jaya! Sri Uddharana Datta Thakura – Disappearance30 Fri Sri Locana Dasa Thakura – AppearanceJANUARY 20171 Sun Srila Jiva Gosvami – Disappearance9 Mon Sri Jagadisa Pandita – Disappearance Daily at various locations10 Tue Fasting for Putrada Ekadasi12 Thu Dvadasi break fast 5.59 – 7.32am Contact Garuda dasa for details15 Sun Sri Jagadisa Pandita – Appearance garuda108das@hotmail.com17 Tue Sri Krsna Pusya Abhiseka18 Wed Ganga Sagara Mela Sunday Mornings19 Thu Sri Ramacandra Kaviraja – Disappearance24 Tue Srila Gopala Bhatta Gosvami – Appearance Northern NSW & Gold Coast25 Wed Sri Jayadeva Gosvami – Disappearance Visnujana dasa 0498 141 021 Sri Locana Dasa Thakura – Disappearance Vyanjuli Mahadvadasi Fasting for Sat-tila Ekadasi Dvadasi break fast 6.11 – 7.54am © 2016 The Conch copyright of New Govardhana www.conch.org.au